Rafael Nadal into French Open final

Defending champion Rafael Nadal moved closer to an historic eighth French Open title Friday when he defeated world number one Novak Djokovic 6-4 3-6 6-1 6-7 (3-7) 9-7 in a titanic semi-final.

Nadal, the third seed, took his Paris record to a staggering 58 wins from 59 matches after recovering from 4-2 down in the deciding set to clinch victory after 4 hours and 37 minutes.

The 27-year-old Spaniard, bidding to become the first man to win the same major for the eighth time, moved into his 17th Grand Slam final where he'll face compatriot David Ferrer.

Novak Djokovic appeals to the chair umpire. Photo: Getty

The fourth seed wrecked French hopes of a first male champion at Roland Garros in 30 years when he defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-1 7-6 (7-3) 6-2.

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It was a crippling blow to the sixth seed who was out to match the feat of Yannick Noah, who last won the title for France in 1983.

But it was a richly deserved reward for outstanding perseverance on the part of 31-year-old Ferrer, who reached his first Grand Slam final in his 42nd appearance, by far the longest wait in the Open Era.

Rafael Nadal. Photo: AP

Nadal leads their head-to-heads 19-4.

It will be the first all-Spanish final since 2002 when Albert Costa defeated Juan Carlos Ferrero.

''I am really happy to be in the final at Roland Garros. It's my first ever Grand Slam final,'' said Ferrer, who has yet to drop a set in the tournament.

Novak Djokovic. Photo: Getty

''I am older, but more experienced. I am not too tired, so this is very important. To play the final against Rafael Nadal I need to be 100 per cent to be able to play good against him.''

Friday's win was Nadal's 20th in 35 career clashes -- and 13th from 16 on clay -- against Djokovic who still needs a French Open title to become only eighth man to complete a career Grand Slam.

In a dramatic and controversial final set, Djokovic broke for 1-0 before Nadal levelled in the eighth game after the Serb had been handed a time violation and then lost a point when he collided with the net as he put away a smash.

Djokovic even summoned the tournament referee onto the court to argue his case that he had been wronged by umpire Pascal Maria and continued to rage as he prepared to serve at 7-8.

Nadal pounced, moving to three match points and clinched victory when Djokovic, who ended with an ugly 75 unforced errors, hit wild and long.

''It's a very special win for me and congratulations to Novak -- he's a great champion and he is going to win here at Garros one day,'' said Nadal, who had lost the pair's only other five-setter, the record-setting 2012 Australian Open final.

''When I was serving for the match it was against the wind so I knew that it would be a tough game.''

It was a similar match to the one in Australia in 2012 and he won. This time it is me that won and that is what makes sport so big.''

On Sunday, Nadal will be appearing in his ninth final since returning from a seven-month injury lay-off.

''During these seven months out of the game there were some low moments, but everybody supported me and there was a lot of positive energy,'' added the Spaniard, who has already claimed six titles in 2013.

''David and Jo both reached the semis without losing a set so they must be playing fantastic.''